U.S. patent number 10,859,277 [Application Number 14/888,203] was granted by the patent office on 2020-12-08 for air-conditioner.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag. The grantee listed for this patent is Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag. Invention is credited to Jessica Dahlkvist, Jaan Selg.
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United States Patent |
10,859,277 |
Selg , et al. |
December 8, 2020 |
Air-conditioner
Abstract
A high elongated portable air-conditioner includes a compressor,
a condenser, and an evaporator located inside a housing. The air
conditioner also includes a cool air inlet and outlet and a warm
air inlet and outlet. The air-conditioner has an axial evaporator
fan and a radial condenser fan and the housing of the
air-conditioner has an elongated shape where the end sections of
the elongated air conditioner housing forms a top section and a
bottom section, respectively. Other features of a portable
air-conditioner are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Selg; Jaan (Stockholm,
SE), Dahlkvist; Jessica (Stockholm, SE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag |
Stockholm |
N/A |
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Electrolux Appliances
Aktiebolag (Stockholm, SE)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005230020 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/888,203 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2014 |
PCT
Filed: |
June 18, 2014 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2014/062878 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 30, 2015 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2014/206846 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
December 31, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160097547 A1 |
Apr 7, 2016 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 24, 2013 [SE] |
|
|
1300445 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F
13/28 (20130101); F24F 1/022 (20130101); F16L
11/00 (20130101); F24F 13/20 (20130101); F24F
13/30 (20130101); B01D 46/4227 (20130101); F24F
1/04 (20130101); F24F 2221/12 (20130101); F24F
2013/087 (20130101); F24F 2013/205 (20130101); F24F
2013/202 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F24F
1/022 (20190101); F24F 13/20 (20060101); F24F
13/28 (20060101); F24F 1/04 (20110101); F24F
13/30 (20060101); B01D 46/42 (20060101); F16L
11/00 (20060101); F24F 13/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;62/93 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
|
0979976 |
|
Feb 2000 |
|
EP |
|
2194631 |
|
Mar 1988 |
|
GB |
|
3021038 |
|
Feb 1992 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
International Search Report for PCT/EP2014/062878, dated Oct. 31,
2014, 4 pages. cited by applicant .
AU Office action for application No. 2018279058, dated Jul. 18,
2019, 5 pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Trpisovsky; Joseph F
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pearne & Gordon LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A portable air conditioner (400) comprising a compressor (401),
a condenser (405), and an evaporator (403) located inside a
housing, the portable air conditioner (400) further comprising a
cool air inlet and outlet and a warm air inlet and outlet, the
portable air-conditioner (400) further comprising an evaporator fan
(411) and a condenser fan (409), characterized in that the housing
of the portable air-conditioner (400) has an elongated shape with
end sections forming a top section and a bottom section,
respectively, wherein the evaporator fan (411) is an axial fan and
the condenser fan (409) is a radial fan, wherein the portable air
conditioner (400) is adapted to generate a cool air stream in an
upwards direction, wherein the portable air conditioner (400) is
provided with a shield for deflecting the upwards cool air stream
in a radial direction, wherein the shield is generally cone shaped
with a curved wall, and wherein the shield has an opening in the
middle for letting air pass in an upwards direction.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioner. In particular
the present disclosure relates to a portable air-conditioner.
BACKGROUND
Air conditioning is a collective expression for conditioning air
into a desired state. It could be heating the air during cold
periods, cooling the air during warmer periods or for cleaning the
air if it contains unwanted particles. However, the expression air
conditioning is most often used when emphasizing cooling. As a
product, air conditioners can look and be used in various ways, but
they all share the same basic technology.
Today, portable air-conditioners are gaining more and more
interest. Thus, a portable air conditioner is based on the more
flexible life style of today, where the demand for being able to
choose when and where to use an air conditioner is becoming a more
important factor for the users. In countries that experience
climate differences over the year, it is a benefit to be able to
remove the air conditioner when cooling is not necessary anymore.
Also, a permanently installed air conditioner requires
modifications within the house which means extra effort and
costs.
Existing portable air-conditioners are often found to be large,
hard to handle, noisy and inefficient. Furthermore, the connected
exhaust air outlet that removes the heat from the room is often
complicated and inefficient in its design. A known portable
air-conditioner is for example described in the U.S. Pat. No.
2,234,753.
Hence, there is a need for an improved air-conditioner.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved
air-conditioner that at least partly solves the problems with
existing air-conditioners, in particular problems of portable
air-conditioners.
This object and others are obtained by the portable air conditioner
as set out in the appended claims. Also disclosed are devices that
can be used together with portable air-conditioners.
In accordance with one aspect a portable air-conditioner is
provided. The air-conditioner comprises a compressor, a condenser,
an evaporator, and typically also comprises an expansion device
located inside a housing. The air conditioner further comprises a
cool air outlet and a warm air outlet. The housing of the
air-conditioner has an elongated shape, the end sections of the
elongated air conditioner housing forming the top section and
bottom section, respectively. In particular an axial fan can be
used as an evaporator fan and a radial fan can be as a condenser
fan in order to keep dimensions down while at the same time
providing an air-conditioner unit that has a sufficiently high
capacity. Hereby an efficient use of floor space can be
achieved.
In accordance with some embodiments the portable air conditioner is
generally cylindrical or cuboid shaped. In accordance with some
embodiments the bottom section has a diameter of less than 45
centimeters and the height of the portable air conditioner is at
least 80 centimeters.
In accordance with some embodiments the cool air outlet is located
in the top section and the portable air conditioner is adapted to
generate a cool air stream in an upwards direction.
In accordance with some embodiments the portable air conditioner is
provided with a shield for deflecting the upwards cool air stream
in a radial direction. The deflecting shield can be designed to
only deflect the radially deflected cool air into a sector. The
shield can be generally cone shaped with a curved wall or with a
straight channel outlet. The shield design can also be provided
with an opening in the middle for letting air pass in an upwards
direction.
In accordance with some embodiments the compressor is located in
the bottom section of the housing of the portable air conditioner
and the housing has dimensions such that the base of compressor
fits therein and occupies the entire base of the housing. The
compressor can be surrounded by the condenser. In accordance with
one embodiment the condenser is elevated such that it only
surrounds the upper section of the compressor and such that the
space between the lower part of the compressor and the housing is
not occupied by the condenser. Hereby the flow of air in the
air-conditioner can be improved. Above the compressor a radial fan
to expel warm air can be located. Above the radial fan the
evaporator can be located. Electronics can be located in the area
of the evaporator. On top of the evaporator an axial fan can be
located.
In accordance with one aspect a compressor cover is provided. The
compressor cover has holes for the coils and a cut in between and
along the sides of the compressor cover. The cover can have a cut
horizontally in order to serve as a passage of the thermal cord
when mounting the cover. The cover can be provided with one or
more, in particular two, fabric straps that fixate and lock the
cover in place by Velcro.
In accordance with one aspect a portable air-conditioner is
provided. The portable air-conditioner comprises a compressor, a
condenser, an evaporator, and can also comprise an expansion device
located inside a housing. The portable air conditioner further
comprises a cool air outlet and a warm air outlet. The housing of
the air-conditioner has an elongated shape. The end sections of the
elongated air conditioner housing form the top section and bottom
section. The evaporator and the condenser are located wrapped
around the inner side of the air conditioner housing.
In accordance with some embodiments the fins of the evaporator and
condenser are horizontal. The fins can be tilted.
In accordance with one aspect an exhaust air outlet assembly for a
portable air conditioner is provided. The assembly comprises an
inflatable hose. The hose in some embodiments has outlet holes for
the warm air from the room on one side thereof. The inflatable hose
can be manufactured from a relative stiff material in a section to
cover a window gap. The assembly can also be assembled of two
parts; one inflatable hose and one extendible adapter for covering
the window gap of an open window. The exhaust air outlet in the
adapter can comprise a stiff bottom member that functions as an
adapter to the inflatable hose that connects to the air
conditioner. The adapter can have an integrated spiral shaped metal
wire which enables the use in different window sizes.
The inflatable hose can be manufactured from flexible and light
materials, like fabrics or flexible plastics, and designed to
insulate the noise and heat from the hot air outlet stream.
The profile of the inflatable hose can be made circular, oval or
rectangular. The hose can be extendable, easy to manage and store.
It can have an integrated spiral shaped metal wire which enables
the use in different window sizes. In particular the spiral can be
fitted in one end of the hose to provide an adapter in that end of
the hose. The exhaust air outlet assembly can comprise a stiff
bottom member that functions as an adapter to the inflatable hose
that connects to the air conditioner. The member can be integrated
in the hose or provided as a separate member that can be assembled
with the hose.
In accordance with one aspect an air filter assembly is provided.
The air filter assembly can be adapted to run in a rail on the
housing of a portable air conditioner. The air filter assembly can
comprise a handle connected to a fixating frame. The fixating frame
has a filter mounted thereon.
In accordance with some embodiments the air filter assembly further
comprises a directing bar connected to the front part of the
fixating frame.
In accordance with some embodiments the handle can be connected to
two fixating frames, where the frames are designed to move in
opposite directions during insertion of the air filter
assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in more detail by way
of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates the principles of an air-conditioner,
FIG. 2 illustrates a portable air-conditioner unit,
FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a top of a portable air-conditioner
unit,
FIG. 4 illustrates a cylindrical air-conditioner unit,
FIG. 5 illustrates a stand for a compressor,
FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate a cover for a compressor,
FIGS. 7a-7c depict heat exchangers geometry,
FIGS. 8 and 9a-9f depict a self-evaporator system,
FIGS. 10-12 illustrate air-conditioner electronics and location
thereof,
FIGS. 13a-13c and 14a-14b illustrate an inflatable hose and
different connection possibilities thereof,
FIG. 15 shows how the different parts of an-air conditioner unit
can be located,
FIGS. 16a-16d show a hosing frame for a portable air-conditioner
unit,
FIGS. 17 and 18 show air filters for an air-conditioner unit,
and
FIGS. 19a-19c illustrate a possible design of a portable
air-conditioner unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates the general principles of an air conditioner
system. The main parts of the system are the compressor 101,
evaporator 103, condenser 105, and expansion device 107 such as a
capillary tube. Also a condenser fan 109 and an evaporator fan 111
can be provided. The compressor is connected in a circuit with the
condenser, the evaporator, and the expansion device. The
refrigerant has the ability to turn from liquid into vapor, and by
that change in temperature. The tempered refrigerant and the indoor
air work in symbiosis to exchange heat to each other.
The process can be described in the following stages:
Stage 1--Compressor
In the compressor, the refrigerant enters as a superheated vapor at
a low pressure. By experiencing a high pressure in the compressor,
the refrigerant receives a higher temperature, and thereby exiting
the compressor as a warmer vapor.
Stage 2--Condenser
The refrigerant vapor at high pressure and temperature enters the
condenser which is known as the warm part of the air conditioner.
An air stream is flown over the condenser in order to cool the
condenser down. When the hot vapor refrigerant gets cooled down, it
condensates and the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the
air flow. The condensed refrigerant is subcooled with part of the
energy released to the environment, and then passing through the
expansion device, where it experiences a reduction of pressure.
This pressure reduction leads to a drastic temperature drop of the
refrigerant.
Stage 3--Evaporator
The cool refrigerant enters the evaporator as a mixture of vapor
and liquid a low pressure and temperature, known as the cool part
of the air conditioner, where hot indoor air is blown through by a
fan. The indoor air then turns cooler while the refrigerant in a
mixture of vapor-liquid evaporates further since it absorbs the
heat from the hot air.
When the air temperature decreases on its way through the
evaporator, the water vapor contained in the air condensates and
then a film of liquid water is produced in the evaporator surface.
This means that the air conditioner actually can dry the air while
cooling it. After the evaporator, the superheated refrigerant is
sucked into the compressor again where the cycle restarts.
In a portable air-conditioner all the components are assembled in
one unit. Since the entire unit is indoors, it requires an exhaust
air outlet to remove the heat. An exhaust air hose is connected to
the outside typically through a window or similar. The purpose of a
portable air conditioner is to cool a volume of air with no need
for modification in the residence. The portable air-conditioner
unit is flexible since it can be moved to areas where the cooling
is preferred without major effort for installment.
Since the unit constantly sucks in indoor air, the air intakes are
usually equipped with filters in order to collect dust and
particles from the air. This facilitates sustainability of the
inner components as well as cleans the indoor air. The filters are
usually recommended to be cleaned every two weeks. When the hot
indoor air flows through the evaporator and becomes colder,
condensate is created in the evaporator and is often used to cool
the condenser further. Parts of the condense water will at that
time be evaporated by the heat of the condenser and the system is
then called self-evaporating. The condense water that not get
evaporated has to be removed from the unit. This can either be done
through water trays that have to be emptied continuously or via
water drainage outlets where a garden hose or similar can be
connected. In another embodiment water tanks are used to collect
water. The use of water tanks facilitates moving of the unit
without the risk of spilling water. The self-evaporative system
uses the condense water to cool down the condenser in order for the
unit to be more efficient. This reduces the amount of condense
water that needs to be drained from the unit or stored in the unit.
In order for the condense water to be distributed over the
condenser, the structure includes paths for the water to drain in
along with a splashing fan in the bottom, splashing up water on the
condenser.
In FIG. 2 a portable air-conditioner 201 is shown. A portable air
conditioner requires an exhaust air outlet. The exhaust air outlet
functions as the exit for the heat that is removed from the indoor
space. In order for the indoor air to stay cool, the heat needs to
be removed from the indoor space. This is enabled by using an
outlet device, typically a hose 203 that can be connected to the
back of the unit. The hose is most often connected to a window
where the hot air is exhausted as is illustrated in FIG. 2. A
window mounting kit can also be included when a portable air
conditioner is purchased. The window mounting kit can comprise an
adapter 205 for mounting in the window. The adapter can be slidable
to fit in different window sizes
In order to provide a portable air conditioner that is easy to
place in a room, typically in a home environment, a high, narrow
portable air conditioner is provided. A high narrow portable air
conditioner has the advantage that it is easy to place in a room
due to the small floor area that it requires. Also, when a portable
air conditioner that is built in an elongated shape such as a
cylinder or cuboid, the cool air outlet can be placed in the top or
upper section of the portable air conditioner, whereby the cool air
can be distributed from a more centered location in the room which
provides a better air flow due to rising heat. Also, a cylindrical
or cuboid shape provides for a large front area while requiring a
small floor space. As a result, an efficient air-conditioner having
a relatively high capacity in relation to the required floor space
can be provided when using a cylindrical or cuboid shape of the
air-conditioner.
In accordance with some embodiments the cool air is blown in an
upwards direction in the elongated portable air conditioner. The
upwards going cool air flow can be deflected, in whole or partly in
a radial direction by a shield provided at the cool air outlet. In
particular the radially deflected cool air stream can be deflected
in an essentially half circular direction. Hence the radially
deflected cool air stream can be deflected in a particular sector,
where the sector for example can be essentially 180 degrees. In
accordance with some embodiments the sector width can be adjustable
for example by providing different deflecting shields that can be
exchanged or by a sliding mechanism that can be provided to adjust
the sector width. The shield can for example be provided as having
a half circular opening and being generally curved shaped. This can
be advantageous since it spreads the air in a wide increasing field
and also has an effective direction of the air flow straight out in
the room. In FIG. 3a a top section 301 of a generally cylindrical
portable air conditioner 300 with a shield 303 for deflecting an
up-going cool air flow in a radial direction is depicted.
Further, FIG. 3b shows the shield 303 with air vents 305 beneath
where the size and location of the air vents control the amount and
direction of the radially deflected cool air. The shield can be
cone shaped with a curved wall placed upside down, or a straight
outlet channel. The generally cone shaped shield can have an
opening in the bottom section to allow for some of the cool air to
exit the portable air conditioner in an upwards direction and not
be deflected by the shield. FIG. 3b further depicts an axial fan
307 and a fan motor 309 for driving the fan 307. In FIG. 3c an
exemplary shield 303 as outlined above is depicted. As can be seen
the air vent 305 can be separated from the shield for cleaning
etc.
In case of a generally cylindrical shape of the housing of the
portable air conditioner some additional advantages can be
obtained, since most of the components in an air conditioner are
naturally round, like the fans and the compressor. The heat
exchangers could be possible to either bent or divided in sections
around the inside of the unit. Thereby, space will not be wasted
and the volume can be used more efficiently in the unit. An
exemplary air-conditioner unit 400 is shown in FIG. 4.
As in any air conditioner assembly, the unit 400 as described in
conjunction with FIG. 4 is divided into two main sections, one cool
and one hot section. The cool section will include an evaporator
403 and an evaporator fan 411. The requirement for the cool section
is that indoor air could be sucked in through the evaporator and
then out in the room again. In accordance with embodiments
described herein, the unit 400 typically generates an air flow of
cool air upwards in a cylindrical or similar shaped housing. An
axial fan can in some embodiments be used as the evaporator fan
411. Further, the evaporator coils of the evaporator are placed
along the inner walls of the unit. This is a position where both
the indoor air and the fan have easy access to them. In one
embodiment electronics 413 of the unit is placed in the cool air
flow in order to prevent overheating. Thus, the electronics 413 can
be located surrounded by the evaporator 403. Hereby it can also be
prevented that condense water drops down on the electronics 413.
Also, the electronics 413 can be shielded from condense water from
the evaporator in order to further prevent causing fires, failures
of the product or electric shocks.
The hot section of the portable air conditioner unit 400 has
several voluminous components. A compressor 401 is in accordance
with some embodiments placed at the center base. By placing the
compressor 401 alone in the bottom section, the cylinder diameter
can be minimized to essentially correspond to the width of the base
of the compressor. Hence, the width of the compressor base is
(essentially) the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical
housing. A condenser fan 409 has the requirement to suck indoor air
in through a condenser coil of a condenser 405 and then send the
air outdoors in a radial direction. This can be achieved by using a
radial fan as the condenser fan 409.
Using the component assembly as depicted in FIG. 4, most of the
main components evolve around the center of the cylinder and can
thereby create a smaller, more compact air conditioner. It is to be
noted that no self-evaporating system is depicted in the exemplary
main component assembly of FIG. 4.
Further, a heat exchanger/air conditioner as described herein can
have a generally circular bottom section, thereby forming a
generally cylinder shaped unit 400. The unit 400 can consist of two
fin and tube type heat exchangers, both of them manufactured with a
cylindrical profile. This design can be made by means of the
bending of standard flat coils in a cylindrical shape.
One of the main advantages of the cylindrical shape heat exchangers
is the larger air-intake frontal area, in comparison to standard
square shape designs. A larger frontal area permits the
minimization of the air pressure drop through the heat exchangers,
what means less friction and less pumping power in fans. This is
also related to less noisy processes.
The cylindrical shape heat exchangers also offer the possibility of
increase the overall heat transfer area by the increase of fins
density. Additionally, in the cases when the air flow crossing
through the heat exchanger is irregular, a proportional fin density
in relation to non-uniform air distribution can also increase the
capacity of the system, without a significant increment of the
pressure drop.
Other important benefit of cylindrical shaped air-conditioner
units, with larger air-intake frontal areas, is that the thickness
of the heat exchanger can be reduced, allowing low temperature
differences between the inlet and outlet of the air, in both
condenser and evaporator. As a consequence, higher efficient cycles
can be obtained because of the effect of the increase of the
evaporating temperatures and decrease of condensing temperatures.
This means lower pressure rations in the compressor, and as a
consequence less power consumption. Therefore, larger but thinner
frontal area is more efficient than smaller but thicker frontal
area.
Additionally, a lower air temperature difference in cylindrical
shape evaporators can be essential to increase the sensible cooling
capacity effect, by means of the minimization of the energy used to
condensate the moisture contained in the air. If the air
temperature difference in the evaporator is lower, the relative
humidity change is also lower. Therefore, the amount of moisture
removed over the evaporator surface is less, as well as the energy
required for this process.
Another advantage of the cylindrical design of the heat exchangers
is the simplification of circuiting design as well as the
manufacturing process, since the number of junctions between
circuits can be reduced drastically, because of a better
distribution of the refrigerant into the pipes.
The use of cylindrical shape heat exchangers can allow a better
refrigerant distribution inside the refrigerant circuiting due to
the lower pressure drops in refrigerant side, since there is not
needed a complex circuitry to maximize the air conditioner
performance.
From the air side point of view, the use of cylindrical shape heat
exchangers is also an advantage to fully use the heat exchanger
area, since the distribution of the air flow is more efficient
along the heat exchangers surface. This feature is very important
because allows to maximize the heat exchangers performance, without
wasting part of the material used in their manufacture, as happens
in most of the standard heat exchangers.
Compressor
Any type of compressor can be used. However, in some embodiments an
inverter compressor is preferred. An inverter compressor keeps a
more energy efficient work flow than a non-inverter type. In an air
conditioner with a conventional compressor, the compressor will be
turned off when the wanted room temperature is achieved. This means
that the compressor constantly switches from running for maximal
capacity to being completely off, which is an inefficient work
method due to the energy consumption that is required in the
switching on mode as well as the maximum speed modes. The inverter
compressor is able to control the cooling output of the air
conditioner through a variable-frequency drive with a power
inverter that changes direct current (DC) to alternative current
(AC). The compressor motor can therefore run at any frequency,
providing an even work flow. Due to the evenness of work flow, and
the reducing of the number of on/off cycles for the compressor, the
noise level will decrease using an inverter compressor. An air
conditioner which uses a conventional compressor, the constantly
on/off switching as well as the maximum capacity mode will make
distinct remarks in the total noise level of the air conditioner.
The inverter controller can in accordance with some embodiments be
placed in the cool part of the air conditioner. The other
electronics can also be placed in the cool part of the air
conditioner.
The compressor is placed on the air conditioners lowest point in
order to minimize vibration transitions to the rest of the
structure. Also, the compressor constitutes as the heaviest
component which allows for a more stable construction with the
compressor in the bottom.
By placing the main compressor body in the center of the
cylindrical air conditioner, can allow for evenness of the incoming
air flow since the distance between the condenser and compressor
will be even around it.
Many compressor models use a triangular base with three feet. The
stands are usually equipped with rubber feet in order to insulate
the vibrations from the compressor. In FIG. 5 a compressor base 500
is depicted. To optimize the compressor base for location in a high
elongated housing, a squared base is used in accordance with some
embodiments. With a squared base with four stands, placed over the
air conditioners four stands consisting of two wheels 501 and two
fixed stands 503, the vibrations from a compressor 505 standing on
stands will be transferred directly down to the ground. The stands
501; 503 of the compressor, regardless of the number of stands
used, can be located on the outer periphery of the bottom section
of the air-conditioner unit. The base can also be constructed so
that the compressor is raised from the bottom, partly for using the
height of the air conditioner. By having an elevated base, it also
creates an opportunity to use the space underneath for condense
water collection such as in a condense water tray or a condense
water tank. The stands of the compressor can be located on the rim
of the bottom section of the air-conditioner.
Compressor Cover
In order to insulate the compressor, a cover can be provided. In
FIG. 6 an exemplary cover 600 is shown in different views. In
accordance with some embodiments the cover can be made of molded
neoprene, and can be composed by different layers of noise
isolation materials. The cover can have holes 601 for the coils and
a cut in between and along the sides to be able to remove it from
the compressor as is shown in FIG. 6. The cover can also have a cut
603 horizontally in order to enable passage of the thermal cord
when mounting the cover. Around the cover, there can be one or
more, in particular two, fabric straps 605 that fixate and lock the
cover in place by Velcro. The cover can have an even material
thickness that can allow the effective noise minimization from
compressor. For example the thickness can be about 5 millimeters.
The cover is adapted to suit different placements in vertical order
of the accumulator. Also varying thermal cap placements are
considered due to the extra volume in the top of the cover.
Heat Exchangers
The heat exchangers in an air conditioner unit consist of an
evaporator and a condenser. These two components are typically
constructed in the same way, consisting of coils, usually made of
copper, and mechanically pressed on fins. The fins are made of a
heat conductive material (often aluminum) and their purpose is to
enlarge the total surface area for the heat exchanger in order to
expose the air flow to more heat/coldness.
An additional design could be the use of aluminum micro channel
heat exchangers, manufactured in a cylindrical shape.
In a portable air conditioner having a high elongated shape both
the evaporator and the condenser can be placed in the same
framework, wrapped around the inner side of the air conditioner
chassis/housing, with an air suction coming from above.
In accordance with one embodiment, the design of both heat
exchangers comprises two fin and tube heat exchangers with a
cylindrical profile. The design is possible due to bend the coils
in a circular shape. FIGS. 7a-7c depict aspects of the heat
exchangers geometry.
The cylindrical shape of both heat exchangers allows larger
air-intake frontal areas in comparison to standard square shape
heat exchangers. A larger frontal area allows the minimization of
the air pressure drop through the heat exchangers, allowing the use
of small fan motors and also minimizing the noise due to large air
flow rates.
Additionally, the circuit design as well as the manufacturing
process could be simpler, since the number of junctions can be
reduced drastically. This can be obtained in different ways. FIGS.
7a and 7b show two possible designs. Thus, FIG. 7a shows a vertical
fin placement and FIG. 7b shows a horizontal fin placement. An
advantage of using horizontally placed fins in a portable air
conditioner that is high and has an elongated housing where the
evaporator and/or the condenser is located wrapped around the inner
side of the air conditioner chassis/housing is that the horizontal
fin design will probably give a more even air flow than the
vertical fin placement. This is because the horizontally placed
fins will split up the air in vertical order and direct it to the
middle of the air conditioner, where an under pressure will be
occurring due to the suction from the fan. The vertical fins does
not direct the air straight into the air conditioner in the same
way since it is creating vertical gaps that leads the air up to the
fan directly. Also horizontally placed fins provide a more even air
flow over the heat exchanger area, and therefore it can be stated
that this design uses the entire frontal area more efficiently than
the vertical fin design does.
In another embodiment the horizontal fins are tiled. This is
depicted in FIG. 7c. Using a tilted fin design will allow for
condense water to rinse off easier and also to direct the air flow
towards the fan, which is advantageous. Also by using tilted fins
the fin surface area will increase without increasing the depth.
For example if the heat exchanger design tilts with 45 degrees, a
surface gain of 40 percent will be achieved compared to a
horizontal design with the same volume.
Fans
There are typically two fans in a portable air conditioner; the
evaporator fan and the condenser fan. The evaporator fan function
is to force the hot indoor air over the chilled evaporator coils in
order to cool it and then distribute it to the room again. The
condenser fan force indoor air through the hot condenser in order
to cool down the refrigerant and simultaneously give up the
refrigerant heat to the exhaust air flow.
Generally fans can be split up into three major types, axial fans,
radial fans and cross-flow fans. Axial fans, often called propeller
fans, imbibe air on one side along its axis and exhaust it on the
other side. Radial fans imbibe air along its axis but exhaust it in
a radial direction. The radial fans are most often covered with a
housing in order to direct the air effectively. In a cross flow
fan, the air flows across the impeller. In existing portable air
conditioners, both the fans are of either radial or cross flow
type.
In the portable air conditioner as described herein, which has a
high elongated shape; an axial fan is used as evaporator fan. In
the case of an axial fan, the air come from underneath and it is
exhausted in upwards direction, or with a certain angle to improve
the air distribution. This is advantageous because it lets the air
in from underneath and exhausts it upwards. Furthermore, the
natural shape of an axial fan in combination with the placement
uses the elongated shape well. In case the portable air conditioner
shape is cylindrical the use of space will be optimal. In
particular the required floor space can be reduced for the
air-conditioner if the air-conditioner is made in a cylindrical
shape with an axial fan as the evaporator fan.
The condenser fan on the other hand is advantageously of radial
type since it is desired to imbibe air from underneath and exhaust
it from the air conditioner in a radial direction. In particular if
portable air conditioner housing is cylindrical when the condenser
fan is placed with its axis vertically, it uses the cylindrical
shape of the air conditioner in an efficient way.
By using an axial fan as the evaporator fan in a cylindrical air
conditioner housing, the floor space is efficiently used, and
amount of wasted space is minimal. The placement and fan type
allows for large fan blades, which constitutes to a lower required
fan speed, and thereby less energy consumption. The radial
condenser fan is advantageously placed with its axis centralized in
the air conditioner. By centralizing the axis, the air flow over
the condenser can be imbibed evenly. The shell reminiscent housing
is in favor to the design since it leaves required space for cords
and coils between the upper and lower air conditioner side.
Self-Evaporation
Self-evaporative systems are becoming a more common feature in air
conditioners today, since the system increases the efficiency of
the air conditioner and at the same time decreases the amount of
condense water that otherwise have to be emptied often. The system
uses the condense water that is created over the evaporator when
the hot air becomes cold, for cooling the condenser. This increases
the efficiency of the unit. The condense water can typically
splashed onto the condenser from underneath by a small fan. When
exposing the water for the warm condenser, the water evaporates and
is sent to outside by the exhaust air flow, which reduces the
amount of condense water that has to be emptied from the tray. An
ideal self-evaporative system would evaporate the entire amount of
condense water so no water emptying is required at all. It is also
possible to supplement the self-evaporation system with a water
tank whereby some water can be collected if it is not possible to
self-evaporate all water at a particular time.
In FIG. 8 a self-evaporating system 800 is schematically shown. In
accordance with some embodiments described herein the
self-evaporating system uses the condense water that is created in
the evaporator 801. This water is collected in an integrated tray
803 in the inner frame between the cold and the warm section of the
air conditioner. The tray can be angled in order to direct the
water to a pipe 805 that transports the water down to the warm
side. From the pipe, the water is dripped down to a tray 807. By
using an aluminum tray with a thin material thickness the tray 807
can absorb heat from the condenser and by that facilitate the
condense water evaporation and the self-evaporative process will be
further optimized. The aluminum tray is placed over a condenser 809
in order to absorb heat from it and to distribute the condense
water over it. Due to the shape of the aluminum tray, the water
will be filled up before it starts to drip down on the condenser.
In the bottom of the air conditioner another tray or a tank 811 is
integrated in the base plate where a water pump is mounted in the
lowest point in order to pump up the remaining condense water to
the aluminum tray again.
Even if the self-evaporating system would work ideally and
evaporate the entire amount of the produced condense water, the air
conditioner typically still would require a water outlet or a water
tank to operate in a dehumidifier mode. This is due to the fact
that the exhaust hose is dismounted in this mode in order to avoid
a temperature change in the room. This means that a garden hose or
similar is required to be connected with the water tray outlet when
using a dehumidifying feature, see reference numeral 4 in FIG.
9.
FIG. 9 illustrates a self-evaporating system. Reference numeral 1
shows how the condense water is collected from the evaporator and
then transported down to an aluminum tray where the water is
collected and then distributed over the condenser. Reference
numeral 2 illustrates how a water pump, placed on the lowest point
under the compressor, pumps the water back up to the aluminum tray
at reference numeral 3. Reference numeral 4 shows how the pump also
is connected to the unit back where a garden hose can be connected
during a dehumidifier mode.
Electronics Assemblage
The electronics assemblage typically gathers all the controls and
other electronics in one unit in order to have easy access to them
in maintaining occasions. A schematic figure of the connected
elements in the electronics unit is shown in FIG. 10. The required
main content that needs to be included in the electronics
assemblage is typically a power PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 1001
and possibly an inverter PCB 1003. The power PCB is connected to
all the control elements of the unit, such as a unit interface
1005, a remote control 1007 and a Wi-Fi controller 1009 that can
comprise a SIM-card (Subscriber Identity Module). The power PCB
1001 also connects and controls the motorized components of the air
conditioner unit, such as fans 1011, a water pump 1013 and a
compressor 1015. Since the design can include an inverter
compressor, the electronics can also demand an inverter PCB 1003
that could be referred to as an extra PCB.
The electronics and in particular an inverter PCB 1003 dissipates a
lot of heat, the electronics is advantageously located in the cool
section of the air conditioner where the air flow from the
evaporator will pass the electronics. The placement of the
electronics in the cool section also matches well with a desirable
elevated user interface placement in the front of the air
conditioner. Another advantageous aspect is that the electronics
assemblage will not risk getting in contact with moist since it
will not be placed under any heat exchangers where condense water
could drip down on it. Cords and coils from the lower part of the
air conditioner will have to pass the condenser fan in order to
reach the evaporator and the electronics box. The passage space is
depicted in FIG. 11 where the condenser fan 1101 and the inner
frame 1103 are shown from above with marked space 1105 for coil and
cord passage.
FIG. 12 illustrates the placement of the electronics 1201 in the
cool part of the air conditioner in order to absorb cold from the
air flow from the evaporator 1203 that at least partly can surround
the electronics.
Exhaust Air Outlet
The exhaust air outlet system is an important component in the
portable air conditioner since it functions as an exit for the heat
that is removed from the warm indoor air in order to make it
cooler. The indoor air is forced over the condenser, and the
condenser will thereby get cooler. Simultaneously the indoor air
absorbs heat from the condenser and removes it to outside. The air
is removed outside by the air outlet system. Since the air outlet
often is installed in a window, it is important to seal the window
gap in order to insulate it from hot air coming in from outside,
which would decrease the efficiency of the air conditioner.
In accordance with some embodiments the exhaust air outlet
comprises an inflatable hose and an extendable adapter which covers
the window gap. The extendable adapter can be integrated in the
hose or can be provided as a separate part. Advantageously the
inflatable hose is designed to minimize the window gap when the
hose is placed through the window. In accordance with some
embodiments the inflatable hose that also functions as the cover of
the window gap. In such an embodiment there is no need for a
separate adapter. On the outside part of the hose there are outlet
holes for the hot air from the room. It is fixated in the window
gap when the hose is expanding.
During the air conditioning process, the compressor and condenser
fan shuts off when the desired room temperature is reached and only
the evaporator fan keeps running. This means that the inflatable
hose can tend to collapse since no air is any longer filling it up.
When the room temperature raises again, the compressor and
condenser fan switches on again. To reduce this problem the
inflatable hose can be manufactured from a relative stiff material
in between the window gap, but could still use the inflatable hose
from the window connection to the air conditioner in order to
maintain the discrete look that it will hold when not inflated. In
accordance with some embodiments the profile of the inflatable hose
is made oval through the entire hose system. Hypothetically, a
narrower hose profile should not mean that the condenser fan would
have to work harder as long as it keeps the same profile area as
the required circular profile. This is illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG.
13 depicts an air conditioner unit 1301 having an inflatable hose
1303 in different views. The hose can be oval shaped. The hose can
have an integrated flexible section 1305 or have a separate
flexible window adapter that can be connected to the inflatable
hose. A separate window adapter can be connected to the inflatable
hose with a 90 degree connector or a 90 degree bend can be provided
in a hose next to the flexible section 1305. In some embodiments
the hose is oval only in the section adapted to cover the window
gap. The hose can also have other profiles such as a circular or
rectangular profile.
The extendable adapter can be connected to a stiff bottom that
functions as an adapter to the inflatable hose that connects to the
air conditioner unit. In accordance with some embodiments the
inflatable hose can be provided with an integrated spiral shaped
metal wire, in particular in an end-section of the inflatable hose,
which enables the use in different window sizes. Since the hose
from the window to the air conditioner is inflatable it will give a
more discrete expression when installed in the room. The concept is
suitable for both hinged and sliding window types, see FIGS. 14a
and 14b, respectively.
Using a stiff bottom solves the problem that a 90 degree bend can
cause when the entire hose was inflatable. Due to the adapter that
connects the inflatable hose and the extendable hose, no air
obstruction will occur other than that the air has to change
direction.
The inflatable hose 1303 can be manufactured using flexible and
light materials, like fabrics or flexible plastics, and designed to
insulate the noise and heat from the hot air outlet stream. The
section of the hose can be circular, elliptical or rectangular.
In accordance with some embodiments an extendable adapter and an
inflatable hose are provided as separate parts. In case the
extendable adapter 1305 is manufactured as a separate part that is
assembled with the inflatable hose, the extendable adapter can be
manufactured from the same material as the inflatable hose.
However, in some embodiments the material of the extendable adapter
is another than the material of the inflatable hose. In particular
the extendable adapter can be made from a relative stiff material,
stiffer than the material of the inflatable hose in between the
window gap. The adapter 1305 can have a stiff bottom that functions
as a connector between the inflatable hose and the extendable
adapter.
The adapter 1305 can have a clamping mechanism between the window
and the window frame, like some plastic hooks or rubber bands to
ensure its right positioning and also the sealing of the window
gap.
Component Assemblage
In FIG. 15 an exemplary assembly 1500 of the main components of a
portable air conditioner that is high with has an elongated shape
is depicted. In accordance with some embodiments a compressor 1501
is located in the bottom section of the housing of the portable air
conditioner. The housing can have dimensions such that the base of
compressor fits therein and occupies/stretches over the entire base
of the housing. The compressor can be surrounded by a condenser
1503. The condenser can also be located to only surround the top
portion of the compressor, thereby allowing for free air-flow in
the bottom section of the compressor. Above the compressor a radial
fan 1505 to expel hot air can be located. Above the radial fan an
evaporator 1507 can be located to cool air. As described above
electronics 1509 can be located in the area of the evaporator 1507.
On top of the evaporator an axial fan 1511 can be located to
deliver cool air. A condense water tray or a water tank 1513 can be
located under the compressor.
An assembly as described in conjunction with FIG. 15 allows for a
portable air conditioner unit that occupies a small floor area and
that generally has small dimensions. In accordance with one
embodiment a portable air conditioner having a generally
cylindrical shape can be formed. The cylindrical portable air
conditioner can have a diameter less than 45 cm, in particular
about 30 cm and a height larger than 80 cm, in particular about 115
cm. In some embodiments the ratio of the width/height of the
portable air conditioner is at least 1:2 or at least 1:2.5. In some
embodiments the width/height ratio is even bigger such as at least
1:3 or in the range 1:3-1:4. This will result in an air-conditioner
unit that demands considerably less floor space than existing
portable air conditioners with a comparable performance, which can
be advantageous.
The components of the assembly are advantageously fitted in a
housing. FIG. 16 depicts a housing frame 1600 for a portable
air-conditioner in different views. The housing can be based on an
inner frame. The frame can be made of injection molded plastic and
functions both as a mounting connection for the components as well
as a part of the self-evaporating system. The components of the
portable air conditioner are sealed in a cylinder or similar. To
facilitate easy access to all components a frame that is openable
in order to ease assembly and maintenance can be provided. The
openable halves are jointed in the back and connected together in
the upper and lower front with snap fits. FIG. 16 shows how the
frame opens around the components.
Air Filter
In accordance with some embodiments the air inlet holes were,
instead of traditionally vent holes, equipped with a rough fabric
on the outside in order for the holes to blend in more and give an
overall soft expression. The fabric has rather open cells in order
to not create a large pressure drop, which would mean that the fans
have to work harder. Furthermore the fabric is advantageously
non-attractive to dust, since it should not absorb dirt from the
air flow and by that require more maintenance. Preferably the
fabric should have plastic integrated in order to retract dust
better.
In accordance with some embodiments, on the inner side of the
fabric, there are filters placed in order to clean the incoming
air. FIG. 17 depicts a filter unit 1700 for an air-conditioner.
Filter(s) 1701 can be mounted on a rail 1703 on the air conditioner
housing 1705. The filter(s) can be removed by dragging filter
handles 1707 on the unit back, which will let the filters glide
along the air conditioner circumference, as can be seen in FIG.
17.
Other possibility is introducing the filters in a lateral of the
unit, using the same idea of the circular rails.
In FIG. 18 an exemplary air filter unit 1800 is shown in more
detail. The filter unit in FIG. 18 is advantageously used when the
housing of a portable air conditioner is generally cylindrical. The
filter unit can comprise a handle 1801 to hold the filter unit in
when inserting or removing the filter to/from the air conditioner.
Further the filter unit can comprise a fixating frame 1803 to
provide a filter 1805 with a stiffness that is designed for easy
insertion of the filter unit. Also the filter unit can have a
directing bar 1807 in the front to even further ease insertion of
the filter unit. In accordance with some embodiments one handle is
connected to two parallel filter fixating frames. Hereby two
parallel filters can be exchanged in one motion.
A portable air conditioner can in accordance with some exemplary
embodiments look like in FIG. 19 that depicts both inner and outer
features of a portable air conditioner. Using the portable
air-conditioner as described herein can provide a smaller portable
air conditioner with improved performance. It is to be understood
that even if some features are described in conjunction with a
particular embodiment, features from different embodiments can be
combined to provide additional embodiments having features from
different described embodiments.
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